That simple fact being noted, there is no question that this weekend's meeting between Redford and the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta executive was an opportunity for the PCAA to send a clear message to Albertans in four words: we don''t condone this.

But on the other hand, reports are emerging that Kelley Charbalois is out as the party's Executive Director. According to Mount Royal political scientist Duane Bratt, this meeting may have ended with Redford being given more power, not less. “We’re hearing, or it’s being reported that, Kelley Charlebois, the Executive Director of the party has been replaced,” he reported. “Whether he has resigned, whether he’s been fired, whether he’s been asked to resigned is unclear, but it looks like a Redford loyalist is being moved into that position.”

One thing is certain: speculation that Redford would be asked for her resignation have proven false. The Progressive Conservative Party has decided to do more than just continue gambling on Alison Redford's leadership. Arguably, they've chosen to double down.

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Patrick Ross is a student at the University of Alberta, where he studied Canadian history, sociology and political science. He cut his literary teeth writing commentary for the University of Alberta Gateway. Patrick draws insipiration from political thinkers as diverse as Preston Manning, Barry Cooper, Benjamin Barber, William Easterly and Hugh Segal. He has been described as "one of the top bloggers and opinion makers in Western Canada" by Garth Turner. He can be reached at: ddp316@hotmail.com.